2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

Previously, the Buick brand experienced fluctuating design phases, but the 2021 Buick Enclave signaled a return to form, echoing the classic appeal of large, impressive American vehicles. The Enclave, in its Avenir trim, especially stood out with its sophisticated grille design and shiny chrome accents, enveloping occupants in a minimalist yet opulent two-tone interior although the wood accents fell short of genuine. In contrast, the Cadillac XT6 presented an altogether slimmer, more vertical appearance that didn’t quite mark it distinctively among its peers. Though stylishly configured, especially in the upmarket trims with polished alloy wheels, its interior feel and general ambiance didn't scream unique but rather blended into the wider GM lineup—a stark contrast to the Enclave’s deeper reach for luxury.

Under the hood, both SUVs were configured differently to cater to distinct driving preferences. The Buick Enclave boasted a robust 3.6-liter V6 across all trims, offering a capable 310 horsepower which sufficed in providing a nimble feel despite its larger size, and it managed to maintain an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined. The Buick’s handling and ride quality, especially with the premium-tuned suspension, offered a highly composed driving experience. Cadillac's XT6, using the same V6 in higher trims, matched the horsepower but was available with a less powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in base trims. Although athletic on winding roads, and similarly fuel-efficient, the XT6’s overall drive experience leaned more towards tranquility than thrill, possibly detracting from the excitement expected at its price point.

Space utilization inside both SUVs underscored their roles as family haulers. The Buick Enclave shone with its sprawling interior providing ample room and comfort across three rows with up to 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded, a testament to its practical design. It outshined the Cadillac XT6, which though comfortable up front, offered less generous third-row and cargo space, totaling 78.7 cubic feet. This difference highlighted the Enclave's superior capability to double as a cargo hauler without compromising passenger comfort.

In the arena of infotainment and technology, both vehicles showed strengths but also some missed opportunities. The Enclave’s technology suite was robust but its 8-inch touchscreen and limited integration with newer digital assistant applications posed a slight drawback. Similarly, the Cadillac XT6, despite offering technologically advanced driving aids like Super Cruise, was hampered by an equally small touchscreen and the lack of digital instrumentation—features that are becoming staples in luxury segments.

Both SUVs came equipped with an array of safety features, tailored to meet the stringent demands of family-oriented buyers. Cadillac's XT6 notably included Super Cruise, one of the most advanced semi-autonomous systems available, alongside a comprehensive suite of active safety features resulting in top safety ratings. The Enclave, while equally robust in its safety offerings, especially in higher trims, faced criticism for not democratizing safety across all levels—a critical oversight in a family SUV.